Lancaster Castle

Type: Castle / Fort

Lancaster Castle is owned by Her Majesty the Queen, who is the 'Duke of Lancaster'. As well as being a fortification, the Castle was also one of Europe’s longest serving operational prisons until March 2011. Many alleged witches were brought to the Castle to face trial, the most famous being the Pendle Witches, who were tried, convicted and sentenced to death here in 1612. George Fox, the founder of the Quaker movement, was imprisoned in the Castle for 2 years.

The Grand Jury Room includes some superb Gillow furniture, whilst in the Crown Court the branding iron can still be seen. Many prisoners convicted at the Castle’s Assize Courts were sentenced to transportation to Australia. Visitors can experience briefly what it’s like to be locked in the ancient dungeons. From 25 May 3013 the guided tour will include the Female Penitentiary, the chapel yard and the courtyard.

In the Shire Hall, there is a magnificent display of heraldic shields.

There is also a varied programme of events throughout the year, including opera, dark history tours, children`s activity tours, Shakespeare plays and much more. The cafe in the courtyard is open daily from 10am until 5pm. See the website for more information.

Open daily for guided tours from 10.00am until 4pm (Court sittings permitting). Guided tours leave from the cafe in the courtyard through the main gates. Closed Christmas/New Year. Visitors to Lancaster Castle are advised to check opening times by telephoning 01524 64998.

Sunday, 22nd November 2015 - Sunday, 22nd November 2015

Thursday, 10th December 2015 - Saturday, 12th December 2015

Gradings

VAQAS VB Attraction

Awards

National Awards***Member of Marketing Lancashire2014

Opening Times

Open All Year

Open all year except at Christmas and New Year(03/01/2015 - 31/12/2015)

* Open daily year round. First tour at 10.30am, last tour at 4pm. Please contact the Castle for tour schedule. Admission by guided tour only. Tours now start at the cafe in the courtyard through the main gateway. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing day and New Year`s day.

For further information on our Xplorer Tickets and the fantastic savings on offer, please visit lancashire.gov.uk/museums

Facilities

Other

Coach Parking

Concessionary Admission Charges

Demonstrations Given

Event Venue

Family Fun

Groups accepted

Guide Dogs Permitted

Guide Dogs Welcome

Guided Tours Compulsory for Groups

Guided Tours Compulsory for Individuals

Indoor Attraction

Marketed towards families

Marketed towards senior citizens

No Smoking Attraction

Open All Year

Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors

Toilets

Provider Preferences

In town/city centre

Parking & Transport

Car Parking

Coaches Welcome

Road Directions

Morecambe, Lancaster and the Lune Valley is located in Lancashire, in the Northwest of England.

Exit the M6 Motorway at Junction 34 and follow signs for Lancaster. Join the one way system (Caton Road) and pass small retail park on left on approach to traffic lights. Turn left following signs for Lancaster City Centre. Once in the city centre follow signs for Lancaster Castle and Priory Church.

Public Transport Directions

The nearest train station is Lancaster which is only a 5 minute walk from Lancaster Visitor Information Centre, just outside the city centre. The station is on the West Coast Mainline with regular mainline Virgin services to London & South and Glasgow & North. Local services include a regular service to Morecambe. For more information call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950 or visit nationalrail.co.uk. The nearest bus station is Lancaster which is less than a 5 minute walk from the central pedestrianised shopping areas of St Nicholas' Arcade and Marketgate. Local, regional and national services are available. For further information contact traveline on 0871 200 2233 or visit traveline.org.uk.